MP Mike Freer put in blind man’s shoes for walk through Golders Green
Mike Freer pictured with Dave Kent and his guide dog Quince. Picture: Nigel Sutton. - Credit: Nigel Sutton
Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer was plunged into darkness last week to experience the challenges faced by blind and partially-sighted residents walking the streets.
The politician was blindfolded by charity Guide Dogs on Friday and walked through Golders Green town centre to try and navigate the street clutter scattered along Golders Green Road.
He was joined on the walk by Golders Green councillor Dean Cohen and Dave Kent, a blind Guide Dogs worker, who brought along his own guide dog named Quince.
Mr Freer said: “As sighted-residents, we can negotiate the pavements almost with a sixth sense. But if you can’t see obstacles at all then clearly it’s quite a different experience.
“It’s only when you experience it for yourself that you realise what an obstacle course the town centres can be.”
Mr Freer pledged to raise the issue of street clutter, including road signs and advertising boards belonging to businesses with Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
